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Family: Oceaniidae
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Polyp: Colony stolonal. Hydranths monomorphic with up to 28 filiform tentacles scattered and covering at least half of the body, length decreasing from distal towards proximal part of the body. Hydrocauluscovered by thin perisarcor absent (sessile hydranths), often covered wit microscopic algae. Portion below hypostome ruby colored, gastrodermis of tentacle bases white, remainder of body translucid. Reproduction: Gonophores as fixed sporosacs, developing on the stolons. Male gonophores borne on hydrorhizaby means of short pedicels, pear shaped or oval, tapering more abruptly at the base, content ruby colored. Female gonophores not observed. Ecology and Distribution: Recorded from Whalebone Bay and St. George’s Island, Bermuda. Originally found on pelagic Sargassum, commonly found growing on a variety of substrates such as algae, sponges, scleractinianand hydrocoral crevices, and mineral concretions. In Bocas del Toro found in Bocas del Drago. Similar taxa: Other Rhizogeton spp. |